by Kristi Rose
Begrudgingly, Jace admitted he’d fucked up. He left them too open-ended, allowing too much room for interpretation. She didn't know how he felt any more than he knew how she felt. Sure, he had told her with his hands and body, but that just made the feelings all the more confusing. Basically, he'd deserted her. Jace repeatedly tapped his hand against the post, struggling with the emotions that came with acknowledging he was indeed an imbecile and he alone was responsible for pushing her out the door. She’d be a fool to want a horse’s ass like him. She was right. He didn’t deserve her. Though he desperately wanted her.
“What are you going to do?” Sabrina came to rest against the post, her voice softer and, dare he hope, offering help?
“I dunno.” Honesty was the way to go forward with this. That, at least, he knew.
“I suppose you should ask yourself—do you want to wait to see if she comes back, or do you want to go after her and find out how she feels? Which works better for you?”
Jace hopped off the fence, his side screaming with the sudden movement. “Where do I find her?” He was ready to go now. Without a doubt. He’d rather her turn him away and know for sure than always wonder what could have been.
“Funny you should ask that. I happen to know where she’ll be tonight.” Sabrina started walking to the house, but he quickly outpaced her.
One flight and six hours later, he was dressed in his best suit, the one he’d worn when he married Meredith, and stood outside an art gallery in Dallas. Sabrina slapped him on the back and wished him luck, then disappeared into the building, leaving him to figure the rest out on his own. Inside, a low buzz of chatter filled the space, and an attendant handed him a program. A quick glance at the paper told him he was at a silent auction for a veteran's home. Jace spotted a bar in the center of the room and figured there was a good place to start. He was out of his element and needed to get his bearings before he spoke with Meredith. He had one shot and wanted it to be perfect.
The ambience was cold, the glass structure of the building and angled lines partly to blame for the unfriendliness and insincerity of the place. The people only exemplified it. The men were in tuxedos, the women in whatever sexy gown they could pull off and sporting jewels that glistened brighter than the chandeliers.
Chapter 31
Meredith tossed back a brandy and fought back the headache, stepping closer to the shade of the fake potted plant she was using for cover.
She and her father had come to mutually agreeable terms and were beginning their new relationship like Jace had wanted, and to be honest, she did as well. Not without some reservation, her father was giving her the freedom to fly, even offered to buy her a house, in his neighborhood, of course. All-in-all, it was a good start. Her act of good faith was to attend this one event. Though, knowing it had been her mother's favorite charity fundraiser hadn't helped to stave off her anger at the excessiveness of it all. Why couldn't people just give money to the veterans? Why did they need to get a material object in exchange? Shouldn't the selfless act of giving be enough? She wholly regretted coming. The chitchat was inane, the auction items excessive, and the food over processed.
Meredith snorted. She'd become a new sort of snob, the kind that knew there was more out there, better living, and it had nothing to do with socioeconomic status symbols. She was spoiled from eating fresh from her garden, a reward from her hard work. From witnessing Mother Nature's glory as the seasons changed, and experiencing the touch of a man who found her breathtaking. The ass! He'd ruined everything. Thanksgiving was coming. Thoughts of the holiday made her wonder how it would be spent on the ranch, a holiday she’d been looking forward to. Would it be like one of those in a Hallmark movie? Fun and full of family love and cheer?
Darn that Jace Shepard and his stubborn ways! She wanted to clock him for his stupidity. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind, but in reality was too scared to go to him. A second rejection would devastate her. She wanted him back desperately.
“You look like you lost your best friend.”
Meredith jumped and slowly faced Sabrina. “I’m sure you have a whole lot of things to say to me, but I don’t want to hear them.” For emphasis, Meredith waved her hand as if pushing away the impending conversation. “If you’re here for your money since I didn’t stay a year, ask your friend. He’s the one who told me to leave.”
“You’ll be surprised because I actually have nothing to say.” Sabrina handed her a champagne glass.
“Nothing? Really?” Meredith scanned the crowd. She had to keep her eye on Lyle Brady. He’d already tried to get close to her earlier, and she feared his wandering hands would result in her slapping his face. A scene she did not want. She spotted him a few clusters of people away.
“Well, not really. I mean, I might ask you what you plan on doing once you figure out what it is you want. But I’m guessing you haven’t gotten there yet.”
Meredith snorted and honed her focus on Sabrina. “I’m there. It’s your fool friend who’s clueless.”
Sabrina raised a brow. “Oh, is that so? Are you doing something about it then?”
Anger shot through Meredith. “What can I do? He asked me to leave. He basically said he didn’t want me anymore.”
Sabrina grimaced. “Did he really, or did you think that’s what he was implying? I’m sure you’ve figured out that men really suck at communication.”
Meredith rubbed her temple. “I don’t know Sabina. It's all so confusing.”
“You could try going for what you want.” Sabrina tapped her glass to Meredith’s. Then said, “Just a thought,” before walking away in a swoosh of her skirt.
Meredith sighed and chugged back her champagne. Sabrina was right. She did need to go for what she wanted instead of hiding behind a plant feeling sorry for herself. Hell, she’d killed a grizzly bear. Conquering Jace Shepard had to be easier.
Someone ran their hand down Meredith’s backside, causing her to gasp with surprise. She swung around and found Mr. Brady leering at her.
“I brought you another champagne, dear,” he said and forced the glass into her chest, his knuckles brushing her breast.
“Get your hands off my chest, Mr. Brady. You should be ashamed of yourself.” She didn’t step back, afraid it would look like weakness to him.
“Because I enjoy touching a beautiful woman?” He snorted, his hand staying against her.
“Because you have no right.” She bit out the words, “Remove your hand.”
His eyes widened, and then he laughed. “What happened to sweet, compliant Meredith?” He stepped closer, his hand going up and down the outside of her dress, curving around her boob.
“She killed a bear and therefore is no longer intimidated by you. This is my last warning.” She stepped aside and thrust his hand away, champagne splashing over the rim.
“Look what you’ve done.” He leaned close to her face, pinching her chin between his thumb and index finger. “I might have to spank you for that.”
A shiver of repulsion ran through her. Nothing about that sounded sexy. Every bit of it was meant to be controlling and demeaning.
Meredith stared him in the eyes. “I warned you.” She lifted her skirt. Lyle’s brows shot into his hairline, excited pleasure rippling over his face. Once her leg had enough room to move, she swung it back and kneed him in the groin, dropping him.
“I asked you to stop touching me. If you ever do it again, I will put more force into my swing. You understand me? And as for compliant Meredith? She got tired of being pushed around by people like you.” She didn’t wait for a response, but floated away, riding a magic carpet of pleasure and self-pride.
She felt good. Damn good. Next battle, Jace Shepard. She’d already told her father she wouldn’t live with him, but they could continue to talk and work on their relationship. She now needed to tell him that would have to happen in Wyoming. She was going home. She would tackle her fear of Jace not wanting her later.
She was halfway to the ex
it when she heard her name echo across the art gallery’s large, open room. She turned toward it, expecting to find her father and his anger. Jace stood by the bar dressed like he had the first day she met him. She blinked to clear her eyes, thinking it was a mirage.
Nope, it was him.
How crazy had she been to think this man wouldn’t suit her? To believe he might have been harsh without knowing anything about him. He walked toward her, his Stetson on his head, his face shadowed, but she didn’t need to see him in full light to know what he looked like. He was etched on her heart. She saw him everywhere she looked.
Now here he was. She met him halfway, swallowing the large lump of fear that had gripped her throat. It had to be good that he was here, right? He wouldn’t come all this way to give her a toothbrush, would he?
When they stood before each other, the chatter around them halted. Meredith crossed her arms over her chest and stood straight. “I have something to say to you, Jace Shepard.”
“I’m sure you do, but may I go first?” He took off his hat and brushed back his hair.
She fairly swooned, the stupid man, playing with her like that.
“Be my guest,” she said, hoping she sounded terse and not weak. She might throw herself on him at any moment.
“The other day, when you left, I meant to say something, but I neglected to.” He ducked his head then looked up at her.
Her heart slammed into her chest. The look of regret on his face was sending a signal she wasn’t sure she was reading correctly. It felt a lot like another break up.
“Well, get on with it.” She clenched her teeth so she wouldn’t cry.
“I meant to say I thought you should go and try to make amends with your father. Life is too short to have bad blood between you.”
She opened her mouth to tell him off. She already knew this, but he put his hand over her mouth to shush her.
“I also meant to say I would go with you if you wanted, but if it was something you needed to do alone, I understood. I want you to know that I’ll be waiting for you should you decide to come home.” He nodded once, kissed her cheek, and then stepped back. He turned on his heel and walked away.
Meredith’s mouth fell open as she processed his words. Was that a declaration of something?
“That’s it?” she called to his back.
He turned. “Pretty much.” He set his Stetson on his head. “You need something more?”
Time to go for broke. “Yes, actually.”
Jace nodded as if in thought. “I see.”
She threw her hands up in disgust. “You see? You are the daftest man I have ever met, and I have met a ton. Look around you. This room is filled with them, but right now you’re leading the pack.”
Jace laughed. "I love you, Meredith, and I want you to come home. I want to have babies with you, talk about the garden every year, but we can skip killing large wildlife if you don’t mind. I’ve had my fill with that.”
Instantly, she burst into tears, covering her face. She felt his arms slip around her.
“Babe, don’t cry. Be happy.”
“I am happy. Now,” she said between her hands.
“Me, too,” he said, peeling her hands from her face. He cupped her cheeks and delivered a soft, yet desperate kiss to her lips.
Epilogue
Two Years later
Meredith walked across the prairie, each step sinking slightly into the freshly fallen snow. The sun would be setting soon, and she wanted to get to the fence before it did.
“Here,” she huffed and handed Jace the thermos of coffee. He jumped off the fence, took the thermos, and set it aside. He offered his hand to help her up.
“You sure this thing can hold me?” she asked, one foot resting on the rail and pressing down.
“Yeah, even with that fat baby in your belly, I still weigh more than you. Here, let me help.” Groaning, he pushed at her ass to pretend to lift her.
“You aren’t funny,” she said and situated herself on the top rail.
“I know, but you’re overly worried, and it’s my poor attempt to take your mind off it.” He picked up the thermos and sat next to her.
“Wouldn’t you be worried about squeezing this ginormous thing out? Especially after all that talk about how big a head you had and—”
“I promise, it’s going to be okay.” He draped an arm around her.
“You can’t promise that.” She relieved him of the thermos and poured them both coffee.
“Mer, we’ll have Thanksgiving with our family tomorrow, and on Friday head into the big city to wait for this bruiser. We can go to book stores or chocolate stores or whatever you want.”
Even though she was a week out from her due date, she was apprehensive and ready to get close to the hospital. Sure, she could have the baby in town at the clinic, but she wanted more than a family doc. She wanted a practiced baby doctor who was ready to give out meds.
To distract herself from her worry, she went through her list of dishes she needed to make tomorrow. It was their second Thanksgiving together.
“Listen, I know we sorta talked about names, but I’d really like to name him after my dad,” said Jace.
Meredith nodded. “If it’s a boy, I’m in full agreement with that. If it’s a girl, I’d like to go with my mom’s name, Rebecca.”
Jace nodded. “I like the sound of both of those.” He leaned across and brushed a kiss on her temple.
“I think my dad is lonely. He comes out here a lot, but even here he seems sad or maybe…I don’t know. I want to do something for him.”
“Besides giving him a grandchild?” Jace chuckled.
“Yeah, besides that. I have a crazy idea. How about we ask Sabrina to, you know, match him?” She cut her eyes to Jace, curious to see his reaction.
He sipped his coffee before answering. “Find your dad a wife? I’m not sure even Sabrina can manage that.”
Meredith laughed. “True. Maybe we should build another cabin on the property and let my dad live there?”
Jace choked on his coffee. “I’ll call Sabrina in the morning.”
Meredith sat up straight and sucked in a breath.
Jace laughed and nudged her shoulder. “That desperate, are you? I’ll call her now if you want.”
Meredith shook her head.
“What’s the matter then?” He searched her face, before realization dawned. “Christ, now?” He jumped from the fence, tossing the thermos into the snow, spilling coffee everywhere.
“I think we have a little time. It’s just my water.” She let him lift her off the fence. “We can stay and watch the sunset.”
“You’re crazy woman,” Jace said, swinging her up in his arms and trotting off.
“I can walk,” she said between laughs. “Put me down. You’re going to shake this kid out of me.”
Jace stopped short and eased her to her feet. “Are you sure you’re okay to walk?”
“No, but it’s way more comfortable than having you jostle me home.” She grabbed her belly and grimaced.
“Stay here. I’ll get the truck and come get you.” He jogged off.
Meredith continued to walk. She was not about to be left in a field to birth her child like a cow. No matter how much a cowboy her husband was. She was a hundred yards from the house when he brought the truck to a screeching halt beside her. He ran around the truck and opened the passenger door, ushering her in.
“We’ll make it to town in no time,” he assured her and peeled out.
“Let’s hope so,” she said, and between contractions called the doctor then his mother.
The thirty-minute ride to town took fifteen, and three hours later Wesley Jace Shepard was born. Mother and baby were doing well. Wesley’s father passed out immediately after he cut the cord.
It was another tradition they would add to their family.
Books also by Kristi Rose
The Cowboy Takes A Bride
The No Strings Attached Series
&
nbsp; The Girl He Knows
The Girl He Needs
The Girl He Wants
The Meryton Matchmakers Series
Meryton Matchmakers Book 1
Meryton Matchmakers Book 2
Meryton Matchmakers Book 3
Honeymoon Postponed: A Mr. & Mrs. Darcy Adventure
Matchmaker’s Guidebook - FREE
The Second Chance Short Stories can be read alone and go as follows:
Second Chances
Once Again
Reason to Stay
He’s the One
Kiss Me Again
or purchased in a bundle for a better discount.
The Coming Home Series: A Collection of 5 Second Chance Short Stories (Can be purchased individually).
Love Comes Home
About the Author
Kristi Rose was raised in central Florida on boiled peanuts and iced tea. Kristi likes to write about the journeys of everyday people and the love that brings them together. Kristi is always looking for avid readers who are willing to do beta reads (give impression of story before edits) and advance readers who are willing to leave reviews. If you are interested, please sign up for her newsletter. Aside from her eternal gratitude she also likes to do giveaways as well.
Come hang with Kristi at any of the following:
@krosewrites
KristiRoseBooks
www.kristirose.net
[email protected]
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